February Newsletter
Hello Caring Friends,
We skipped the January newsletter altogether, we hope you did not miss us much…
We were a little busy, traversing the globe – some of us exploring the vibrant landscapes of South Africa, others delving into the rich tapestry of North Africa.
And amidst it all, we celebrated a milestone birthday for our founder, Nora.
In January, we attended an inspiring and intimate dinner organized by Cosmos and Matters, titled, le diner des vivants ("Le dîner des vivants" translates to "the dinner of the living" or "the dinner of the living ones" in French. It suggests a gathering of people who are vibrant, engaged, and perhaps celebrating life itself. Held in perfectly appointed, designed and decorated, art filled apartment this dinner was truly unlike anything ever experienced…
The unique culinary experience was prepared by chef Shira Benarroch. Chef Shira Benarroch crafted a unique culinary experience that truly nourished the soul, leaving us deeply satisfied rather than simply full.
At last, February is here! Pat yourself on the back!!! January (the longest period of winter) is over.
We are reaching the finale of the coldest and “bluest” season. What should we expect from the last winter month?
February is home to the most romantic event of the year: Valentine’s Day. As love never grows old, neither does the spirit of celebration.
Love will be one of the themes of our panels this year at Change Now, which we are actively working on.
Our society is increasingly fractured, with division and discord dominating public discourse. This panel will explore the transformative power of love – not just romantic love, but compassion, empathy, and solidarity – and how its reintroduction into the public sphere can foster healing and create a more just and connected world. We will discuss practical ways to cultivate love in our communities, media, and institutions, moving beyond rhetoric to create meaningful change.
We will also cover several other topics including female empowerment, human rights, environmental intelligence, and conversations with Earth, we sure hope to see you there!!!
February is also Black History Month, a time to reflect on and celebrate the rich history and contributions of Black individuals. A wonderful way to celebrate Black History Month is by immersing yourself in its vibrant art scene. We recently had the pleasure of attending the spectacular 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, in Marrakech. Founded by Touria Glaoui, this fair is a must-see and experience. We were particularly captivated by the work of two talented artists: photographer Sarah Benabdallah and Kingsley Ayogu. And the work and colorful installations of Zoubida. Thank you to everyone involved in the fair for your incredible hospitality…
Taking advantage of our time in the region, we also visited the newly renovated Jardin Majorelle. Bathed in their signature Berber blue, the gardens are absolutely spectacular and a testament to Africa’s rich biodiversity and botany. Even better, we explored the newly opened permanent exhibition of Amazigh art and craftsmanship at the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts. It's a truly enriching experience!
Marrakech, with its enchanting Jardin Majorelle (once home to Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé), evokes thoughts of love. However, while they certainly express affection, Yves Saint Laurent's "Love" cards, created and sent annually for thirty years (1970-2000), weren't Valentine's Day greetings. Instead, these vibrant, graphic collages served as New Year's wishes. Often incorporating cherished personal elements, such as his bulldog Moujik or the sun and palms of his native Algeria, these handcrafted works of art conveyed a simple yet timeless message. The enduring appeal of these miniature masterpieces has led to multiple re-releases of the collection, Love by Saint Laurent, and even earned them a dedicated space within the Jardin Majorelle for all to appreciate.
In closing, here is a little gift of words from Aga, (Agnes, our food expert) – she has been delving into this wonderful book by Richard Christiansen –
The Guide to becoming alive - – the book features one of the world’s most beautiful location, despite its recent devastating fires, we hope that this introduction below, spells the future of these beautiful hills. We love the introduction to the book so here it is below:
“I believe pleasure is a human right. That to stand on the Earth and sing her praises is one of the most joyful and necessary privileges of being alive. Flamingo Estate was founded on this idea. That in a world that profits off our numbness, it is a radical act to wake up our senses. To champion the slow dive, the deep breath, the bee asleep in the Mallow, the drizzle of Olive oil on a soft-boiled egg. These are the moments that create joy and jump start radical change. Because the best way to repair a fractured culture is to prioritize the beating of your own heart. Whatever happens out there, in the wider world, the best defense is the work you do in here — in your own body, and the garden where it can grow.
High atop the hills of Los Angeles, hidden by a lush orchard and dense gardens, Flamingo Estate is a hedonistic enclave of sun worship, folk mythologies, and psychedelic remedies. For a few years, this place was simply my home. After decades building a career - of endless airports and sleepless nights - my life changed when I started looking around me, when I began listening to the lessons in the garden. I learned from the stone fruit the importance of winter. From the Sagebrush, the sacred power of scent. The sunsets, color theory and aesthetic sustenance. The moth, the sweet sanctum of moonlight. The Garlic, generosity and variety.
By watching the Paperwhites reaching up toward the sun, I learned that life was meant to be lived, not just endured.’
From The Guide to becoming Alive - book by Richard Christiansen
With love,
The WHo CAREs!? Chronicles team